What’s a Coronectomy?
A coronectomy is a wisdom teeth extraction alternative. Unlike traditional extraction, where the entire tooth is removed, a coronectomy involves removing only the crown (top part) of the tooth while leaving the roots intact in the jaw. This approach is often chosen when the root is close to sensitive structures, such as nerves or blood vessels, reducing the risk of nerve damage. Performed by an oral surgeon, a coronectomy is a less invasive option with a lower risk of complications compared to a full extraction. However, there may still be a small chance that the remaining root could cause future issues, such as infection. If you’re considering this procedure, consult with a dental office in Southlake, TX, to learn more about how a coronectomy might be the right solution for your dental needs.
Difference Between Wisdom Teeth Removal and a Coronectomy
Wisdom teeth removal, or extraction, typically involves removing the entire tooth, including the crown and roots. This is the most common approach when dealing with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth that cause pain, crowding, or infection. However, a coronectomy is a more specialized procedure performed by our Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Urbanek, when the circumstances call for a less invasive option.
An oral surgeon will usually recommend a wisdom teeth extraction alternative instead of a full extraction for several important reasons. One key difference is that in a coronectomy, only the crown of the tooth is removed, while the roots are left intact. This procedure is especially beneficial when the tooth’s roots are healthy but the crown has become infected. This scenario often occurs with partially erupted impacted wisdom teeth. In such cases, while the crown may be compromised by infection, the roots remain undamaged and can safely stay in place.
A coronectomy is also the preferred method when the wisdom tooth is tightly embedded or fused with the surrounding bone, making traditional extraction highly invasive and traumatic. This is particularly true for wisdom teeth located near critical structures, such as the inferior alveolar nerve in the lower jaw or the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw. Extracting these teeth in the conventional way increases the risk of nerve damage or other complications. In contrast, by leaving the root intact, a wisdom teeth extraction alternative minimizes the risk to these vital areas, while still addressing the problem posed by the infected crown.
Another advantage of a wisdom teeth extraction alternative is the reduced risk of trauma to nearby tissues, which helps to enhance healing time and lower the risk of complications like dry socket or nerve injury. By preserving the healthy root structure, patients experience a less invasive procedure, resulting in a smoother recovery.
To determine whether a wisdom teeth extraction alternative is the best approach, our Southlake, TX oral surgeon will perform a detailed evaluation, including a CT scan of your jaws to assess the position of the teeth, roots, and surrounding structures. During your consultation, he will thoroughly explain the pros and cons of both a traditional extraction and a coronectomy to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Is Coronectomy a Common Option?
Coronectomy is becoming an increasingly popular option for wisdom teeth removal in Southlake, TX, particularly for patients who have impacted wisdom teeth near sensitive areas like the inferior alveolar nerve or the maxillary sinus. Although traditional extractions are still the most common approach for wisdom teeth removal, coronectomy is recommended when removing the entire tooth poses higher risks, such as potential nerve damage or trauma to surrounding tissues.
Dr. Urbanek, a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, frequently performs coronectomies for patients in Southlake and surrounding areas who are candidates for this procedure. While not every wisdom tooth case requires a coronectomy, it is a safe and effective alternative for patients whose roots are in close proximity to vital structures, or when a full extraction could cause complications.
The decision to perform a wisdom teeth extraction alternative is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s dental and medical history, as well as advanced imaging techniques like CT scans to assess the position of the teeth. If you’re considering wisdom teeth removal in Southlake, TX, and are concerned about the risks associated with traditional extractions, an oral surgeon may recommend a coronectomy as a less invasive, lower-risk solution.
Patients in Southlake who have undergone a wisdom teeth extraction alternative often experience shorter recovery times, reduced post-operative pain, and lower chances of complications like nerve injury. This makes it a common option for those seeking a safer and more conservative approach to wisdom teeth removal.
Nerve Damage
One of the top reasons to get a coronectomy is to avoid nerve damage. Oftentimes, the roots of teeth might be close to a nerve, pressed on it, or even wrapped around it. These two nerves are the lingual nerve (LN) or inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and they serve the purpose of delivering feeling to the tongue, chin, and lips.
If you get a traditional extraction and these nerves become damaged, it can result in:
- Loss of taste
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Odd sensations or pain in the lower teeth, jaw, lip or chin
To help avoid these high risks, our oral surgeon will recommend a coronectomy when necessary. In some cases, the roots will need removal later in life, but they usually move away from the nerves by this point. This then reduces the risk of nerve damage.
Coronectomy Procedure Overview
Your wisdom teeth extraction alternative procedure will begin with your choice of sedation dentistry. At StarImage Dental Boutique & Oral Surgery, we want to make sure your procedure feels as comfortable as possible. Next, our oral surgeon in Southlake, TX will numb up your mouth and then carefully begin cutting the crown and removing it away in pieces. He will close the site with stitches and the procedure is over. Patients will follow similar aftercare instructions as wisdom tooth extraction.
Learn More About A Wisdom Tooth Extraction Alternative in Southlake
If you would like to find out if a wisdom teeth extraction alternative in Southlake, TX is the best treatment option for you, please call us at (817) 587-4414 today to book a consultation.
